Supporting structure for shock absorber of suspension device and suspension structure of utility vehicle

ABSTRACT

A suspension structure of a utility vehicle includes: a shock absorber; and a trailing arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle. A lower end of the shock absorber is supported by a rear end of the trailing arm within a wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a supporting structure for a shock absorber of a suspension device and a suspension structure of a utility vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,827 specification, a shock absorber of a suspension device of a utility vehicle is configured to be supported by a vehicle body frame by way of a bracket or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In such a utility vehicle, when the vehicle body frame receives a larger load from the shock absorber, there is a possibility that a burden of the load on the vehicle body frame is not sufficient.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a supporting structure for a shock absorber which can easily disperse a load from a shock absorber.

To achieve the object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supporting structure for a shock absorber of a suspension device of a utility vehicle, the supporting structure for a shock absorber which includes: a shock absorber; and a vehicle body frame, wherein the shock absorber is supported on a support portion of the vehicle body frame from below the vehicle body frame, and a rollover protective structure (ROPS) is connected to the support portion from above the vehicle body frame.

With such a configuration, the ROPS is connected to the support portion on which the shock absorber is supported. Accordingly, a load from the shock absorber can be easily transmitted to the ROPS. As a result, it is possible to provide the supporting structure for a shock absorber which can easily disperse a load from the shock absorber.

It is preferable that the supporting structure for a shock absorber according to the first aspect further include the following configuration.

(1) As viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle, the shock absorber and the ROPS are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line.

(2) As viewed in a front view of the utility vehicle, the shock absorber and the ROPS are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line.

(3) The shock absorber is supported on the support portion by way of a gusset.

(4) In the configuration (3), the gusset connects a lower frame connected to the support portion and extending downward and a rear frame connected to the support portion and extending rearward to each other.

According to the configuration (1), the shock absorber and the ROPS are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a side view and hence, a load from the shock absorber can be more easily transmitted to the ROPS.

According to the configuration (2), the shock absorber and the ROPS are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a front view and hence, a load from the shock absorber can be more easily transmitted to the ROPS.

According to the configuration (3), the shock absorber is supported on the support portion by way of the gusset and hence, a supporting strength of the support portion can be enhanced.

According to the configuration (4), the gusset on which the shock absorber is mounted reinforces the shock absorber by connecting the lower frame and the rear frame to each other and hence, the supporting strength of the support portion can be further enhanced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supporting structure for a shock absorber of a suspension device of a utility vehicle, the supporting structure for a shock absorber which includes: a shock absorber; and a transverse frame extending in a vehicle width direction, wherein the shock absorber is supported on a support portion of a vehicle body frame by way of a gusset from below the transverse frame, and the gusset connects a lower frame connected to the support portion and extending downward and a rear frame connected to the support portion and extending rearward to each other.

According to such a configuration, the gusset on which the shock absorber is mounted reinforces the shock absorber by connecting the lower frame and the rear frame and hence, a strength of a support portion of the transverse frame can be enhanced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suspension structure of a utility vehicle, the suspension structure which includes: a shock absorber; and a trailing arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle, wherein a lower end of the shock absorber is supported by a rear end of the trailing arm within a wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle.

According to the configuration, the lower end of the shock absorber is supported by the rear end of the trailing arm within the wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle. Accordingly, a total length of the shock absorber can be surely increased and hence, a moving distance of the wheel in a vertical direction can be surely increased.

It is preferable that the suspension structure of a utility vehicle according to the third aspect further include the following configuration.

(1) The trailing arm has a bent portion that bends upward at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction.

(2) The suspension structure of a utility vehicle further includes a knuckle to which a rear end of the trailing arm is connected; and a plurality of rods extending in a vehicle width direction of the utility vehicle and connecting the knuckle to a vehicle body frame of the utility vehicle, wherein the rod positioned on a lower side has a bent portion that bends upward at an intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction.

(3) In the configuration (2), the rod positioned on a rear side is mounted on a front surface side of a rear end frame of the utility vehicle.

(4) In the configuration (2), the plurality of rods include a first rod positioned in front of a center of the knuckle, and a second rod and a third rod positioned behind the center of the knuckle, wherein the first rod and the third rod are disposed below the second rod, and the bent portion of the first rod and the bent portion of the third rod each have a similar shape.

(5) In the configuration (4), the first rod, the second rod, and the third rod are positioned within the wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle.

According to the configuration (1), the trailing arm has the bent portion that bends upward at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction and hence, the position of the rear end of the trailing arm in the vertical direction can be lowered. Accordingly, a total length of the shock absorber can be surely increased.

According to the configuration (2), the rod positioned on a lower side has the bent portion that bends upward at the intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, a possibility that an obstacle is caught by the rod can be reduced whereby drivability of the utility vehicle on a rough road can be improved.

According to the configuration (3), the rod positioned on a rear side is mounted on the front surface side of the rear end frame of the utility vehicle. Accordingly, a possibility that an obstacle is caught by the rod can be reduced whereby drivability of the utility vehicle on a rough road can be improved.

According to the configuration (4), it is possible to reduce a possibility that an obstacle is caught by the first rod and the third rod which are the rods disposed on a lower side and hence, drivability of the utility vehicle on a rough road can be improved.

According to the configuration (5), the lengths of the first rod, the second rod, and the third rod in the vehicle width direction can be surely increased and hence, the toe controllability of the wheel can be improved.

As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a supporting structure for a shock absorber where a load from the shock absorber can be easily dispersed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility vehicle having a supporting structure for a shock absorber of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the utility vehicle showing a supporting structure for a shock absorber of a suspension device;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3 in which a rollover protective structure (RODS) and seats are omitted;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3 in which the seats are omitted;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an area in the vicinity of an upper end of the shock absorber;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3 in which the seats are omitted;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3 in which the seats are omitted;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a utility vehicle when the shock absorber and the ROPS are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a front view;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the suspension device;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the suspension device;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an upper arm and a lower arm;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an area in the vicinity of a knuckle when a front wheel is steered to the maximum in a state where the shock absorber is maximally contracted; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the area in the vicinity of the knuckle when the front wheel is steered in a state where the shock absorber is maximally extended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a utility vehicle having a supporting structure for a shock absorber of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to attached drawings. The utility vehicle is a vehicle for off-road traveling which travels not only on a grass field, a gravel field and a sandy field but also on an unpaved mountain road, a forest road, a muddy road, a rocky area or the like. For the sake of convenience of the description, an advancing direction of the utility vehicle is assumed as a “front side” of the utility vehicle and respective parts, and right and left sides in a vehicle width direction when an occupant riding on the utility vehicle faces forward are assumed as “right and left sides” of the utility vehicle and the respective parts.

[Entire Structure of Vehicle]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a utility vehicle which has a supporting structure for a shock absorber of a suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a left side view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a utility vehicle 10 includes a pair of right and left front wheels 21 on a front portion of a vehicle body and a pair of right and left rear wheels 22 on a rear portion of the vehicle body. The utility vehicle 10 includes a riding space (cabin) S between the front wheels 21 and the rear wheels 22. The riding space S is surrounded by a ROPS 23, and a pair of right and left doors 24. The ROPS is an abbreviation of “rollover protective structure”, and is a part of a vehicle body frame 1.

A cargo bed 25 is disposed behind the riding space S, and a bonnet 26 is disposed in front of the riding space S. A back panel 27 which partitions the cargo bed 25 and the riding space S from each other is mounted on a front end of the cargo bed 25.

A pair of right and left independent-type seats 28 is disposed in the inside of the riding space S. An operating part such as a steering wheel 29 is disposed in front of the seat 28.

A power unit 3 is disposed below the cargo bed 25. The power unit 3 includes an engine and a transmission. A driving force of the engine is transmitted to the transmission, and the transmission transmits the driving force to the pair of right and left front wheels 21 and the pair of right and left rear wheels 22.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the utility vehicle showing the supporting structure for a shock absorber of a suspension device, FIG. 4 is a left side view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a right side view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, a pair of right and left independent-suspension-type rear-wheel-use suspension devices 4 which supports the pair of right and left rear wheels 22 in a vertically swingable manner is disposed below the cargo bed 25 and on both sides of the power unit 3. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the suspension device 4. The suspension device 4 includes: a trailing arm 41 which has a front end thereof supported on the vehicle body frame 1 and extends in a longitudinal direction; a knuckle 411 which supports a rear end of the trailing arm 41 and rotatably supports a hub of the rear wheel 22; a plurality of control rods 42 which extend in the vehicle width direction and support the knuckle 411 on the vehicle body frame 1; and a shock absorber 43 which elastically supports the trailing arm 41 on the vehicle body frame 1. A lower end of the shock absorber 43 is supported by (mounted to) the rear end of the trailing arm 41 within the wheel 22 a of the rear wheel 22 as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10.

The trailing arm 41 has a bent portion 41 a that bends upward at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the trailing arm 41 gradually extends upward in an inclined manner as the trailing arm 41 advances rearward from a front end 41 b supported by the vehicle body frame 1, reaches the bent portion 41 a, gradually extends downward in an inclined manner as the trailing arm 41 advances rearward from the bent portion 41 a, and reaches a rear end 41 c supported by the knuckle 411. Thus, the bent portion 41 a, which is located at an intermediate position thereof with respect to the longitudinal direction of the trailing arm 41, is configured such that the trailing arm 41 is inclined downwardly from the intermediate position toward the rear end of the trailing arm 41. The inclination angle of the portion of the trailing arm 41 located on the front side of the bent portion 41 a with respect to a horizontal plane is smaller than the inclination angle of the portion of the trailing arm 41 located on the rear side of the bent portion 41 a with respect to the horizontal plane, and the length from the front end 41 b to the bent portion 41 a is longer than the length from the bent portion 41 a to the rear end 41 c.

Each control rod 42 extends in the vehicle width direction. One end of the control rod 42 is supported by the vehicle body frame 1 by way of a universal joint, and the other end of the control rod 42 is supported by the knuckle 411. The control rods 42 are formed of a first rod 421, a second rod 422, and a third rod 423. The first rod 421 is positioned in front of the center of the knuckle 411, and the second rod 422 and the third rod 423 are positioned behind the center of the knuckle 411. The second rod 422 is supported by the knuckle 411 above the center of the knuckle 411, and the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 are supported by the knuckle 411 below the center of the knuckle 411. The second rod 422 is positioned above the first rod 421 and the third rod 423.

Each of the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 has a bent portion 421 a, 423 a that bends upward at an intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 gradually extend downward in an inclined manner from inner ends in the vehicle width direction supported by the vehicle body frame 1 as the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 advance outward in the vehicle width direction, and reach the bent portions 421 a, 423 a, and extend downward in an inclined manner as the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 advance outward in the vehicle width direction from the bent portions 421 a and 423 a, and reach outer ends in the vehicle width direction supported by the knuckle 411. An inclination angle of portions of the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 positioned on an inner side of the bent portions 421 a, 423 a in the vehicle width direction with respect to a horizontal plane is set smaller than an inclination angle of portions of the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 positioned on an outer side of the bent portions 421 a, 423 a in the vehicle width direction with respect to the horizontal plane. Lengths of the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 from inner ends to the bent portions 421 a, 423 a are set larger than lengths of the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 from the bent portions 421 a, 423 a to outer ends. Further, the bent portion 421 a of the first rod 421 and the bent portion 423 a of the third rod 423 have a similar shape. In addition, the second rod 422 gradually extends downward in an inclined manner from an inner end in the vehicle width direction which is supported by the vehicle body frame 1 to an outer side in the vehicle width direction, and reaches an outer end in the vehicle width direction which is supported by the knuckle 411. The second rod 422 extends substantially in a straight line shape.

In each of the second rod 422 and the third rod 423 positioned behind the first rod 421, an inner end in the vehicle width direction is mounted on a front surface side of the rear end frame 19 of the utility vehicle 10. In addition, as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10, all of the first rod 421, the second rod 422, and the third rod 423 are positioned within the periphery 22 a of the rear wheel 22.

A pair of right and left independent-suspension-type front-wheel-use suspension devices 6 which supports the pair of right and left front wheels 21 in a vertically swingable manner is disposed below the bonnet 26 and on both sides of a front-wheel-use final reduction gear (not shown in the drawing) which transmits a driving force to the front wheels 21. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the suspension device 6. Each suspension device 6 includes: a knuckle 61 which supports a hub of the front wheel 21 in a rotatable manner; a plurality of control rods 62 which extend in the vehicle width direction and support the knuckle 61 on the vehicle body frame 1; and a shock absorber 63 which elastically supports the control rods 62 on the vehicle body frame 1.

The control rod 62 is divided in two from a connection portion which is connected with the knuckle 61 thus forming an upper arm 621 and a lower arm 622 which form a pair in the vertical direction. The upper arm 621 and a lower arm 622 extend inward in the vehicle width direction and are connected to the vehicle body frame 1. The upper arm 621 and the lower arm 622 have a substantially A shape respectively. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the upper arm 621 and the lower arm 622. A recessed portion 621 a that is recessed downward is formed on a portion of the upper arm 621 in the vicinity of the connection portion which is connected with the knuckle 61. The lower end of the shock absorber 63 is supported by the recessed portion 621 a.

A bottom surface of the recessed portion 621 a is positioned substantially at the same height in the vertical direction as a support surface 61 a on which the knuckle 61 supports the upper arm 621, or is positioned below the support surface 61 a.

A stopper 61 b that regulates a displacement angle between the lower arm 622 and the knuckle 61 is formed on the knuckle 61. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an area in the vicinity of the knuckle 61 when the front wheel 21 is steered maximally in a state where the shock absorber 63 is maximally contracted, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the area in the vicinity of the knuckle 61 when the front wheel 21 is steered in a state where the shock absorber 63 is maximally extended. As shown in FIG. 15, in a state where the shock absorber 63 is maximally contracted, there is no possibility that the stopper 61 b of the knuckle 61 engages with the lower arm 622 even when the front wheel 21 is steered maximally. On the other hand, in a state where the shock absorber 63 is maximally extended, as shown in FIG. 16, the stopper 61 b limits a displacement angle between the lower arm 622 and the knuckle 61 to a predetermined range in order to ensure the amount of wheel travel (tire stroke) of the front wheel 21. Specifically, the stopper 61 b is formed of a projecting and recessed portion that can come into contact with the lower arm 622. In a state where the shock absorber 63 is maximally extended, when the wheel of the front wheel 21 is steered laterally so that an angle made by the lower arm 622 and the knuckle 61 becomes a predetermined angle, the projecting and recessed portion of the stopper 61 b comes into contact with and engages with the lower arm 622. Accordingly, there is no possibility that the angle made by the knuckle 61 and the lower arm 622 exceeds the predetermined angle.

The lower arm 622 has a bent portion 622 a that bends upward at an intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the lower arm 622 gradually extends downward in an inclined manner from an inner end in the vehicle width direction which is supported by the vehicle body frame 1 as the lower arm 622 advances outward in the vehicle width direction, and reaches the bent portion 622 a. As the lower arm 622 further advances outward in the vehicle width direction from the bent portion 622 a, the lower arm 622 extends downwardly in an inclined manner and reaches an outer end in the vehicle width direction which is supported by the knuckle 61. Note that an inclination angle of a portion of the lower arm 622 positioned on an inner side of the bent portion 622 a in the vehicle width direction with respect to a horizontal plane is set smaller than an inclination angle of a portion of the lower arm 622 positioned on an outer side of the bent portion 622 a in the vehicle width direction with respect to the horizontal plane. A length of the lower arm 622 from an inner end to the bent portion 622 a is set larger than a length of the lower arm 622 from the bent portions 622 a to an outer end.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3 where the ROPS 23 and the seats 28 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle body frame 1 includes a first bottom frame 11 and a second bottom frame 12 which form a pair of left and right frames respectively on a bottom portion of the vehicle body frame 1. The first bottom frame 11 and the second bottom frame 12 extend substantially horizontally in the longitudinal direction and support a floor plate 90. The first bottom frame 11 and the second bottom frame 12 are main frames which are respectively formed of a circular cylindrical pipe frame.

The first bottom frame 11 and the second bottom frame 12 are positioned at a center portion in the vehicle width direction such that the first bottom frame 11 and the second bottom frame 12 approach closest to each other in the vehicle width direction in a front portion of the riding space S. The first bottom frame 11 and the second bottom frame 12 extend outward in the vehicle width direction in an inclined manner so as to be away from each other in the vehicle width direction as the first bottom frame 11 and the second bottom frame 12 extend rearward from the front portion of the riding space S. Further, the first bottom frame 11 and the second bottom frame 12 extend rearward in substantially parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction below the seats 28 respectively, and extend inward in the vehicle width direction in an inclined manner toward a rear side from a rear portion of the power unit 3 such that the first bottom frame 11 and the second bottom frame 12 approach each other in the vehicle width direction.

[Supporting Structure for Shock Absorber of Rear-Wheel-Use Suspension Device]

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3 in which the seats 28 are omitted, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an area in the vicinity of an upper end of a left shock absorber 43 a. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 8, an upper end of the left shock absorber 43 a of the rear-wheel-use suspension device 4 is supported on a lower surface of a support portion 81 a of a panel frame 81 which extends in the vehicle width direction and supports the back panel 27 in the vehicle body frame 1 by way of a gusset 92 a.

A reinforcing frame 82 a which reinforces a strength of the ROPS 23 is mounted on an upper surface of the support portion 81 a, and as shown particularly in FIG. 4, as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10, the reinforcing frame 82 a and the left shock absorber 43 a are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line.

A lower frame 83 a which extends downward and has a lower end connected to the first bottom frame 11 is mounted on the lower surface of the support portion 81 a. A rear frame 84 a is mounted on a rear surface of the support portion 81 a in such a manner that the rear frame 84 a extends rearward, is bent downward at a rear end of the vehicle, extends downward, and is connected to a rear end of the first bottom frame 11. The gusset 92 a is disposed between the lower frame 83 a and the rear frame 84 a, and connects the lower frame 83 a and the rear frame 84 a to each other.

An upper end of the right shock absorber 43 b of the rear-wheel-use suspension device 4 is supported on a lower surface of a support portion 81 b of the panel frame 81 which extends in the vehicle width direction and supports the back panel 27 by way of a gusset 92 b.

A reinforcing frame 82 b which reinforces a strength of the ROPS 23 is mounted on an upper surface of the support portion 81 b. As shown particularly in FIG. 5, as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10, the reinforcing frame 82 b and the right shock absorber 43 b are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line.

A lower frame 83 b which extends downward and has a lower end connected to the second bottom frame 12 is mounted on the lower surface of the support portion 81 b. A rear frame 84 b is mounted on a rear surface of the support portion 81 b in such a manner that the rear frame 84 b extends rearward, is bent downward at the rear end of the vehicle, extends downward, and is connected to a rear end of the second bottom frame 12. The gusset 92 b is disposed between the lower frame 83 b and the rear frame 84 b, and connects the lower frame 83 b and the rear frame 84 b to each other.

As shown particularly in FIG. 8, the gusset 92 a further includes, for supporting the panel frame 81 in a stable manner, support reinforcing portions 92 a 1, 92 a 2 which are disposed on both ends of the gusset 92 a in the vehicle width direction and extend outward in the vehicle width direction. In the same manner as the gusset 92 a, the gusset 92 b also includes support reinforcing portions which are disposed on both ends of the gusset 92 b in the vehicle width direction and extend outward in the vehicle width direction.

[Supporting Structure for Shock Absorber of Front-Wheel-Use Suspension Device]

FIG. 9 is a front view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3 in which the seats 28 are omitted, and FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the utility vehicle shown in FIG. 3 in which the seats 28 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, an upper end of a left shock absorber 63 a of the front-wheel-use suspension device 6 is supported on a support portion 85 a of a bonnet frame (transverse frame) 85 which extends in the vehicle width direction, directly or indirectly supports the bonnet 26 or is positioned in the vicinity of the bonnet 26 by way of a bracket 93. An upper end of a right shock absorber 63 b is also supported on the support portion 85 a by way of the bracket 93.

The bracket 93 is mounted on the support portion 85 a so as to surround the support portion 85 a from below, and an upper surface of the support portion 85 a is not covered by the bracket 93. The bonnet frame 85 penetrates the bracket 93. The bonnet frame 85 extends outward in the vehicle width direction from both sides of the bracket 93 in an upwardly inclined manner.

An upper end of a left end of the bonnet frame 85 is connected to a front frame 86 a which is one of the ROPS forming a front wall of the riding space S, and an upper end of a right end of the bonnet frame 85 is connected to a front frame 86 b which is one of the ROPS forming the front wall of the riding space S.

A lower portion of the bracket 93 forms a support portion 93 a which supports the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b. As viewed in a front view of the utility vehicle, the left shock absorber 63 a is supported on a left end of the support portion 93 a in the vehicle width direction, and the right shock absorber 63 b is supported on a right end of the support portion 93 a in the vehicle width direction.

Between the support portion for the left shock absorber 63 a and the support portion for the right shock absorber 63 b, upper ends of two lower frames 87 a, 87 b which extend in the vertical direction are mounted on the support portion 93 a. The support portion 93 a is supported on the lower frames 87 a, 87 b.

The lower frames 87 a, 87 b are frames respectively forming portions of tire houses 21 a, 21 b for the front wheels 21. The lower frames 87 a, 87 b are positioned at a center portion in the vehicle width direction such that the lower frames 87 a, 87 b approach closest to each other in the vehicle width direction at the support portion 93 a, and extend outward in the vehicle width direction in an inclined manner such that the lower frames 87 a, 87 b are separated from each other in the vehicle width direction as the lower frames 87 a, 87 b extend downward from the support portion 93 a. The lower frames 87 a, 87 b extend downward parallel to each other in upper portions of the tire houses 21 a, 21 b, and extend downward in lower portions of the tire houses 21 a, 21 b in an inwardly inclined manner in the vehicle width direction such that the lower frames 87 a, 87 b approach each other in the vehicle width direction. A lower end of the lower frame 87 a is connected to the front end of the first bottom frame 11, and is connected to a bottom front frame 88 a which extends frontward. A lower end of the lower frame 87 b is connected to the front end of the second bottom frame 12, and is connected to a bottom front frame 88 b which extends frontward.

As viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10, the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b extend frontward in a downwardly inclined manner, the bonnet frame 85 extends rearward in an upwardly inclined manner, and the lower frames 87 a, 87 b extend rearward in a downwardly inclined manner. As viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10, the bonnet frame 85 and the lower frames 87 a, 87 b are disposed so as to make a right angle therebetween.

As viewed in a front view of the utility vehicle, extensions in an upward direction of the respective left and right shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b and extensions in an upward direction of the respective lower frames 87 a, 87 b are merged together at one point 85 a 1 on the bonnet frame 85.

According to the supporting structure for a shock absorber having the above configuration, the following advantageous effects can be acquired.

(1) The reinforcing frame 82 a, 82 b which forms one of the ROPS 23 is connected to the support portion 81 a, Sib on which the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b, respectively, is supported and hence, a load from the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b is easily transmitted to the ROPS 23. As a result, it is possible to provide the supporting structure for a shock absorber where a load from the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b can be easily dispersed.

(2) The shock absorber 43 a, 43 b and the reinforcing frame 82 a, 82 b are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line respectively as viewed in a side view and hence, a load from the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b can be easily transmitted to the ROPS 23.

(3) The shock absorber 43 a, 43 b is supported on the support portion 81 a, 81 b by way of the gusset 92 a, 92 b respectively and hence, a supporting strength of the support portion 81 a, 81 b can be enhanced.

(4) The gusset 92 a, 92 b on which the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b is mounted respectively reinforces the shock absorber by connecting the lower frame 83 a, 83 b and the rear frame 84 a, 84 b to each other and hence, the supporting strength of the support portion 81 a, 81 b can be further enhanced.

(5) The gusset 92 a, 92 b on which the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b is mounted respectively reinforces the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b by connecting the lower frame 83 a, 83 b and the rear frame 84 a, 84 b to each other and hence, a strength of the support portion 81 a, 81 b of the panel frame 81 can be enhanced.

(6) The bonnet frame 85 extends outward in the vehicle width direction in an upwardly inclined manner from both sides of one bracket 93 on which both shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b are mounted and hence, a load transmitted to the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b from below is easily transmitted to the bonnet frame 85. As a result, it is possible to provide the supporting structure for a shock absorber where loads from the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b can be easily dispersed.

(7) The bonnet frame 85 is connected to the front frames 86 a, 86 b which form one of the ROPS 23 and hence, the bonnet frame 85 which receives loads from the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b can transmit the loads to the ROPS 23 thus dispersing the loads more effectively.

(8) By supporting the bracket 93 from below by the lower frames 87 a, 87 b, a supporting strength of the bracket 93 can be enhanced.

(9) As viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10, the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b extend frontward in a downwardly inclined manner, the bonnet frame 85 extends rearward in an upwardly inclined manner, and the lower frames 87 a, 87 b extend rearward in a downwardly inclined manner. With such a configuration, loads from the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b can be easily transmitted to the bonnet frame 85 and the lower frames 87 a, 87 b.

(10) As viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10, the bonnet frame 85 and the lower frames 87 a, 87 b are disposed so as to make a right angle therebetween and hence, loads from the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b can be more easily transmitted to the bonnet frame 85 and the lower frames 87 a, 87 b.

(11) As viewed in a front view of the utility vehicle 10, the extensions in the upward direction of the respective left and right shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b and the extensions in the upward direction of the lower frames 87 a, 87 b are merged together at one point on the bonnet frame 85 and hence, loads from the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b can be easily transmitted to the bonnet frame 85 and the lower frames 87 a, 87 b.

(12) The lower end of the shock absorber 43 is supported by the rear end of the trailing arm 41 within the wheel 22 a as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10. Accordingly, a total length of the shock absorber 43 can be surely increased and hence, a moving distance of the wheel 22 a in a vertical direction can be surely increased.

(13) The trailing arm 41 has the bent portion 41 a that bends upward at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction and hence, the position of the rear end 41 c of the trailing arm 41 in the vertical direction can be lowered. Accordingly, a total length of the shock absorber 43 can be surely increased.

(14) The rods 421, 423 positioned on a lower side have the bent portions 421 a, 423 a that bend upward at the intermediate portions in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, a possibility that an obstacle is caught by the rods 421, 423 can be reduced whereby drivability of the utility vehicle 10 on a rough road can be improved.

(15) The rods 422, 423 positioned on a rear side are mounted on the front surface side of the rear end frame 19 of the utility vehicle 10. Accordingly, a possibility that an obstacle is caught by the rods 422, 423 can be reduced whereby drivability of the utility vehicle 10 on a rough road can be improved.

(16) The first rod 421 and the third rod 423 are disposed below the second rod 422, and the bent portion 421 a of the first rod 421 and the bent portion 423 a of the third rod 423 have a similar shape. Accordingly, a possibility that an obstacle is caught by the first rod 421 and the third rod 423 which form the lower rods can be reduced whereby drivability of the utility vehicle 10 on a rough road can be improved.

(17) As viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle 10, the first rod 421, the second rod 422, and the third rod 423 are positioned in the wheel 22 a. Accordingly, the lengths of the first rod 421, the second rod 422, and the third rod 423 in the vehicle width direction can be surely increased and hence, the toe controllability of the wheel 22 can be improved.

(18) The lower end of the shock absorber 63 is supported by the recessed portion 621 a of the upper arm 621. Accordingly, a total length of the shock absorber 63 can be surely increased and hence, a moving distance of the wheel in a vertical direction can be surely increased.

(19) The bottom surface of the recessed portion 621 a is set substantially at the same height in the vertical direction as the support surface 61 a on which the knuckle 61 supports the upper arm 621, or set below the support surface 61 a. Accordingly, a total length of the shock absorber 63 can be surely increased while preventing lowering of a support strength of the knuckle 61 for supporting the upper arm 621.

(20) The upper end of the shock absorber 63 is supported by a portion of the bonnet frame 85 extending in the vehicle width direction in the vicinity of the center portion of the bonnet frame 85 in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, a height of the bonnet can be suppressed while ensuring a sufficient total length of the shock absorber 63 and hence, it is possible to prevent the shock absorber 63 from obstructing visibility on a front side.

(21) The stopper 61 b that limits a displacement angle between the lower arm 622 and the knuckle 61 is formed on the knuckle 61. Accordingly, by limiting the displacement angle between the lower arm 622 and the knuckle 61 within the predetermined range in a state where the shock absorber 63 is maximally extended, the amount of wheel travel (tire stroke) of the front wheel 21 can be ensured.

(22) The lower arm 622 has the bent portion 622 a that bends upward at the intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, a possibility that an obstacle is caught by the lower arm 622 can be reduced and hence, drivability of the utility vehicle 10 on a rough road can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b and the reinforcing frame 82 a, 82 b respectively are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a side view. However, the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b and the ROPS may be disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a front view.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the utility vehicle 10 when the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b and the ROPS are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a front view. As shown in FIG. 11, the upper end of the left shock absorber 43 a is supported on the lower surface of the support portion 81 a of the panel frame 81 which extends in the vehicle width direction and supports the back panel 27 in the vehicle body frame 1 by way of the gusset 92 a.

A reinforcing frame 82 a 1 which reinforces a strength of the ROPS 23 is mounted on the upper surface of the support portion 81 a, and the reinforcing frame 82 a 1 and the left shock absorber 43 a are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a rear view of the utility vehicle 10.

The upper end of the right shock absorber 43 b is supported on the lower surface of the support portion 81 b of the panel frame 81 which extends in the vehicle width direction and supports the back panel 27 in the vehicle body frame 1 by way of the gusset 92 b.

A reinforcing frame 82 b 1 which reinforces a strength of the ROPS 23 is mounted on the upper surface of the support portion 81 b, and the reinforcing frame 82 b 1 and the right shock absorber 43 b are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a rear view of the utility vehicle 10.

With the configuration, the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b and the reinforcing frame 82 a 1, 82 b 1 are disposed so as to be arranged on one straight line as viewed in a front view, respectively, and hence, a load from the shock absorber 43 a, 43 b can be more easily transmitted to the ROPS 23.

In the above embodiment, the shock absorbers 43 a, 43 b of the rear-wheel-use suspension device 4 are supported on the panel frame 81 which supports the back panel 27. However, a frame on which the shock absorbers 43 a, 43 b are supported is not limited to the panel frame 81, and may be a vehicle body frame respectively.

In the above embodiment, the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b of the front-wheel-use suspension device 6 are supported on the bonnet frame 85 which supports the bonnet 26. However, a frame on which the shock absorbers 63 a, 63 b are supported is not limited to the bonnet frame, and may be a vehicle body frame which extends in the vehicle width direction.

In the above embodiment, the bonnet frame 85 is formed such that the bonnet frame 85 penetrates the bracket 93. However, the bonnet frame 85 may be split into two by the bracket 93, and each split bonnet frame portion may be connected to the bracket 93.

In the above embodiment, the bracket 93 surrounds the bonnet frame 85 from below and does not cover the upper surface of the support portion 85 a of the bonnet frame 85. However, the bracket 93 may be configured to surround the whole circumference of the support portion 85 a.

In the above embodiment, the supporting structure for a shock absorber of the rear-wheel-use suspension device 4 is not limited to the supporting structure for a rear-wheel-use shock absorber, and may be applied to the supporting structure for a front-wheel-use shock absorber. In the same manner, the supporting structure for a shock absorber of the front-wheel-use suspension device 6 in the above-mentioned embodiment is not limited to the supporting structure for a front-wheel-use shock absorber, and may be applied to the supporting structure for a rear-wheel-use shock absorber.

The various modifications and alterations are also conceivable without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A suspension structure of a utility vehicle comprising: a shock absorber; a trailing arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle; a knuckle to which a rear end of the trailing arm is connected; and a plurality of rods extending in a vehicle width direction of the utility vehicle and connecting the knuckle to a vehicle body frame of the utility vehicle, wherein a lower end of the shock absorber is supported by a rear end of the trailing arm within a periphery of a wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle, and wherein a rod of the plurality of rods is positioned on a lower side and has a bent portion that bends upward at an intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction.
 2. The suspension structure according to claim 1, wherein a further rod of the plurality of rods is positioned on a rear side and is mounted on a front surface side of a rear end frame of the utility vehicle.
 3. The suspension structure according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of rods include a first rod positioned in front of a center of the knuckle, and a second rod and a third rod positioned behind the center of the knuckle, the first rod and the third rod are disposed below the second rod, and a bent portion of the first rod and a bent portion of the third rod each have a similar shape.
 4. The suspension structure according to claim 3, wherein the first rod, the second rod, and the third rod are positioned within the periphery of the wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle.
 5. The suspension structure according to claim 3, wherein a first portion of each of the first rod and the third rod located on an inner side of the respective bent portion in the vehicle width direction has a first angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, and a second portion of each of the first rod and the third rod located on an outer side of the respective bent portion in the vehicle width direction has a second angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, the first angle of inclination being smaller than the second angle of inclination.
 6. The suspension structure according to claim 1, wherein a first portion of the trailing arm located on a front side of the bent portion has a first angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, a second portion of the trailing arm located on a rear side of the bent portion has a second angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, and the first angle of inclination is smaller than the second angle of inclination.
 7. A suspension structure of a utility vehicle comprising: a shock absorber; a trailing arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle; a knuckle to which a rear end of the trailing arm is connected; and a plurality of rods extending in a vehicle width direction of the utility vehicle and connecting the knuckle to a vehicle body frame of the utility vehicle, wherein a lower end of the shock absorber is supported by a rear end of the trailing arm within a periphery of a wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle, wherein the trailing arm has a bent portion at an intermediate position thereof with respect to the longitudinal direction, the bent portion being configured such that the trailing arm is inclined downwardly from the intermediate position toward the rear end of the trailing arm, and wherein a rod of the plurality of rods is positioned on a lower side and has a bent portion that bends upward at an intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction.
 8. The suspension structure according to claim 7, wherein a further rod of the plurality of rods is positioned on a rear side and is mounted on a front surface side of a rear end frame of the utility vehicle.
 9. The suspension structure according to claim 7, wherein: the plurality of rods include a first rod positioned in front of a center of the knuckle, and a second rod and a third rod positioned behind the center of the knuckle, the first rod and the third rod are disposed below the second rod, and a bent portion of the first rod and a bent portion of the third rod each have a similar shape.
 10. The suspension structure according to claim 9, wherein the first rod, the second rod, and the third rod are positioned within the periphery of the wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle.
 11. The suspension structure according to claim 9, wherein a first portion of each of the first rod and the third rod located on an inner side of the respective bent portion in the vehicle width direction has a first angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, and a second portion of each of the first rod and the third rod located on an outer side of the respective bent portion in the vehicle width direction has a second angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, the first angle of inclination being smaller than the second angle of inclination.
 12. A suspension structure of a utility vehicle comprising: a shock absorber; and a trailing arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle; wherein a lower end of the shock absorber is supported by a rear end of the trailing arm within a periphery of a wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle, wherein the trailing arm has a bent portion at an intermediate position thereof with respect to the longitudinal direction, the bent portion being configured such that the trailing arm is inclined downwardly from the intermediate position toward the rear end of the trailing arm, and wherein a first portion of the trailing arm located on a front side of the bent portion has a first angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, a second portion of the trailing arm located on a rear side of the bent portion has a second angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal plane, and the first angle of inclination is smaller than the second angle of inclination. 